Fabrication strip

ABSTRACT

A fabrication strip for use in construction of walls, joists, and rafters. The fabrication strip comprises an elongated strip of material having a base and a plurality of first and second tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to one another. The first and second tabs are spaced apart a distance corresponding generally to the width of the support member, e.g., beam, to which the fabrication strip is secured. The second tabs include a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion. The second portions are spaced longitudinally on the base of the fabrication strip a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between adjacent studs extending parallel to one another. Placement of the studs against the same side of the second portions of the second tabs will properly space the studs from one another. If desired, third tabs may be formed on the base of the fabrication strip in opposed relationship to the second tabs. Such construction is desirable for use with rafters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a fabrication strip and, more particularly, a fabrication strip for use in the construction industry to assemble components together in an orderly fashion. The fabrication strip can be used to facilitate the spacing of studs uniformly from one another to expedite construction of walls, joists and rafters.

Conventionally, a wall in new home construction is assembled on site. A first horizontally disposed stud is placed in position. The wood stud, which may be for example, a 2 inch by 4 inch member, is marked at intervals where studs will be attached at right angles, such intervals being typically 12 inches, 16 inches or 24 inches. A transverse stud is aligned with a first mark and nailed into place. Other studs are sequentially added at the marks denoting the desired stud spacing. Then a horizontal stud is nailed to the end of the transverse studs opposite the first horizontal stud to define the framing for the wall. The wall framing may be constructed in place or alternately, the wall framing may be constructed on a flat surface and then tilted into place, whereby the transverse studs are the vertical studs in a finished wall framing.

One person has difficulty positioning and then securing the various pieces to one another. The use of two persons to construct the wall framing, joists and rafters unduly increases the cost of construction.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fabrication strip to assist the carpenter or like workman to more quickly and easily make building constructions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabrication strip having a base and a plurality of tabs extending in the same direction from the base, each tab having an alignment face at one side, the alignment faces being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between spaced apart members.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fabrication strip having both first tabs and second tabs transverse to the first tabs, the second tabs projecting from the fabrication strip and being spaced at a predetermined distance from one another for helping to space studs at predetermined distances from one another in construction.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fabrication strip having both first tabs and second tabs transverse to the first tabs, the second tabs projecting from the fabrication strip and being spaced at a predetermined distance from one another for helping to space studs at predetermined distances from one another in construction, the fabrication strip being suitably secured to studs by nails or screws.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide wall framing comprising first and second spaced apart studs, a plurality of spaced apart transverse studs, and first and second fabrication strips secured to the first and second spaced apart studs and to the plurality of transverse studs that can be constructed quickly and easily on site by a single carpenter.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first feature of the present invention is a fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base and a plurality of tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to and coplanar with one another. The elongated strip is constructed and arranged to be secured to a first stud or beam. Each tab includes an alignment face at one side. The alignment faces are spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between second transverse studs extending generally at right angles to the first stud or beam in an assembly. The elongated strip is adapted to be secured to the first stud or beam by fastening means. The transverse studs can be assembled in predetermined spaced relationship by abutting each at one end against an alignment face on a tab and then securing same in place.

Another feature of the present invention is a fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base and a plurality of first and second tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to and coplanar with one another. The elongated strip is constructed and arranged to be secured to a first stud. The second tab includes a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion. The second portions are spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between second transverse studs extending generally at right angles to the first stud in an assembly. The elongated strip is adapted to be secured to the first stud by fastening means. The transverse studs can be assembled in predetermined spaced relationship by abutting each at one end against an alignment face on the second portion of the second tab and then securing same in place.

Yet another feature of the present invention is a fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base and a plurality of first and second tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to and coplanar with one another. The first and second tabs are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the thickness of a first stud or beam to which the fabrication strip is adapted to be secured. The second tab includes a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion. The second portions are spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between second transverse studs extending generally at right angles to the first stud in an assembly. The elongated strip is adapted to be secured to the first stud by fastening means. The transverse studs can be assembled in predetermined spaced relationship by abutting each at one end against a second portion of the second tab and then securing same in place.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

There is shown in the attached drawing presently preferred embodiments of the present invention wherein like numbers in the various views refer to like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall framing fabricated using the fabrication strip of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view taken in the area of circle 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the connection of a first stud to a second stud taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detail perspective view of the assembly of the fabrication strip to a first horizontal stud; illustrating the position of the first horizontal stud just prior to assembly to the fabrication strip;

FIG. 5 is detail perspective view of the assembled first horizontal stud and fabrication strip; and

FIG. 6 is a detail cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention as applied to joist construction;

FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view of the assembly of a portion of the fabrication strip to a joist;

FIG. 9 is a detail cross-sectional view of the joist construction;

FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention as applied to a rafter construction; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fabrication strip as used in the rafter construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is shown in FIGS. 1-6 of the attached drawing a wall framing 10 embodying the present invention. Basically, the wall framing comprises first and second or lower and upper studs 12, 14. The studs 12 and 14 are spaced apart vertically as shown in FIG. 1 and are generally parallel to one another. Secured to the upper and lower studs 12, 14 at predetermined spaced intervals are transverse studs 16. The predetermined spaced intervals may be, for example, 12, inches, 16 inches or 24 inches, as in common presently in construction. The studs 12, 14, and 16 are typically 2 inch by 4 inch, though other size studs may be used if desired.

To facilitate fabrication of the wall framing 10, fabrication strips 18, 18′ are used, as will be more fully explained later. Basically, the fabrication strips 18, 18′ will be secured to the lower and upper studs 12,14 by suitable fastening means, for example, nails or screws. The wall framing 10 may be constructed in place as shown or it may be constructed on the ground and then tilted into place.

The connection of a transverse stud 16 to the lower stud 12 utilizing the fabrication strip of the present invention will be better understood by reference to FIGS. 2-6. FIG. 2 shows a transverse or vertical stud 16 secured to the lower stud 12 with the aid of the fabrication strip 18 of the present invention. The fabrication strip 18, which may be made from metal, for example, steel or aluminum in strip form, is nailed or otherwise secured at intervals to the lower stud 12 by nails or like fastening means. The fabrication strip 18 has holes 17 therein (FIG. 4) for receiving a nail 24 to secure the fabrication strip 18 to the lower stud 12. Extending transversely from the base 19 of the fabrication strip 18 is a first tab 20, which is adapted to be positioned beneath the lower stud 12, as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6. Extending transversely from the base 19 of the fabrication strip 18 is a second tab 21, which is generally parallel to the first tab 20. The tabs 20 and 21 are integral with the base 19 of the fabrication strip 18 and are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the lower stud 12 so that the tabs 20 and 21 rest upon the upper and lower surfaces of the lower stud 12. The tabs 20 are generally coplanar and the tabs 21 are generally coplanar.

Tab 21 may have an opening 25 therein for receiving a suitable fastening means, such as a nail. Alternately the opening 25 in the tab 21 may be struck from the tab 21 and have a down-turned flange 26 (FIG. 6), which can be driven into the lower stud 12 to help retain the strip 21 in place on the to surface of the lower stud 12. A projection 22 extends transversely to the tab 21. As best seen in FIG. 1, the projections 22 on the fabrication strip 18 have alignment faces that are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the desired distance between the transverse studs 16, for example, 16 inches.

It will be understood that the fabrication strip 18′ is constructed in a like manner as fabrication strip 18 and is connected to the upper stud 14 (FIG. 1) in the same manner that the fabrication strip 18 is connected to the lower stud 12.

In use, the fabrication strip 18 is positioned onto the lower stud 12, with the tab 20 below the lower stud 12 and engaging the bottom surface thereof and with the tab 21 above the lower stud 12 and engaging the upper surface thereof (FIG. 4). The fabrication strip 18 can be constructed and arranged with the tabs 20 and 21 suitably spaced apart to accommodate the width of the beam or support member to which it is to be affixed. Suitable fastening means, for example, nail 24 (FIGS. 5 and 6) will pass through the holes 17 in the fabrication strip 18 to secure the base 19 of the fabrication strip 18 to the lower stud 12. Further, the carpenter can strike the tab 21 to drive the down-turned flange 26 (FIGS. 3 and 6) into the top surface of the lower stud 12 to further secure the fabrication strip 18 in place. If desired, suitable fastening means, such a nail can be driven through the hole 25 to further secure the tab 21 in place on the lower stud. 12. With the fabrication strip 18 firmly anchored to the lower stud 12, a transverse stud 16 can be positioned against the face of the projection 22 on the tab 21 and affixed in place. Sequentially, additional transverse studs 16 can be added to the same side of the projections 22 in abutting relationship with the faces of the tabs 22 and the studs 16 will be spaced apart equidistantly, with the distance between studs 16 corresponding to the desired predetermined distance of 12 inches, 16 inches or 24 inches, as is commonly used in construction. The remote ends or the top ends of the transverse studs 16 can secured to the second or upper stud 14 through use of the fabrication strip 18′, which functions in the same fashion as the fabrication strip 18.

Through use of the present invention a single workman can assemble a wall framing. The resultant wall framing is quickly and easily formed. Modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the inventive principles. For example, a hole can be formed in the projection 22 similar to the hole in the tab 25. Such hole may be formed with a down-turned or in-turned flange, as in FIGS. 3 and 6, for aiding the connection of the projection 22 to a transverse stud 16. A nail or like fastening means can be used to connect the projection 22 to the transverse stud 16.

Turning to FIGS. 7-10 there is shown a joist construction embodying the present invention. Basically, the joist construction 110 comprises a joist 112 secured to the top member or stud 20 of the wall framing 10. A plurality of studs 116 are secured to the joist 112 in a parallel and predetermined spaced relationship by means of the fabrication strip 118. The predetermined spaced intervals may be, for example, 12 inches, 16 inches or 24 inches, as in common presently in construction. The studs 12, 14, and 16 are typically 2 inch by 4 inch, though other size studs may be used if desired.

To facilitate fabrication of the joist construction, fabrication strips 118 are used. Basically, the fabrication strips 118 will be secured to the members 20 and 112 by suitable fastening means, for example, nails or screws.

The connection of the studs 116 to the joist 112 utilizing the fabrication strip of the present invention will be better understood by reference to FIGS. 7-10. FIG. 7 shows a plurality of horizontally disposed studs 116 secured to the joist 112 and top member 14 with the aid of the fabrication strip 118 of the present invention. The fabrication strip 118, which may be made from metal, for example, steel or aluminum in strip form, is nailed or otherwise secured at intervals to the joist 112 by nails or like fastening means. The fabrication strip 118 is like the fabrication strip 18, except that the spacing between the tabs 121, 122 is greater than the spacing between the tabs 21,22 to accommodate both the joist 112 and the top member 14. The fabrication strip 118 has holes 117 therein (FIG. 8) for receiving a nail 124 (FIG. 7) to secure the fabrication strip 118 to the joist 112 and the top member 20. Extending transversely from the base 119 of the fabrication strip 118 is a first tab 120, which is adapted to be positioned beneath the stud 14, as seen in FIGS. 7-10. Extending transversely from the base 119 of the fabrication strip 118 is a second tab 121, which is generally parallel to the first tab 120. The tabs 120 and 121 are integral with the base 119 of the fabrication strip 118 and are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the stud 12 and the joist 112 so that the tabs 120 and 121 rest upon the upper surface of the joist 112 and the lower surface of the stud 14, respectively. The tabs 120 are generally coplanar and the tabs 121 are generally coplanar.

Tab 121 may have an opening 125 therein for receiving a suitable fastening means, such as a nail. Alternately the opening 125 in the tab 121 may be struck from the tab 121 and have a down-turned flange 126, which can be driven into the joist 112 to help retain the tab 121 in place on the to surface of the joist 112. A projection 122 extends transversely to the tab 121. As best seen in FIG. 7, the projections 122 on the fabrication strip 118 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the desired distance between the transverse studs 116, for example, 16 inches.

In use, the fabrication strip 118 is positioned onto the joist 112 and the stud 14, with the tab 120 below the stud 14 and engaging the bottom surface thereof and with the tab 121 above the joist 112 and engaging the upper surface thereof (FIG. 8). Suitable fastening means, for example, nail 124 (FIG. 7) will pass through the holes 117 in the fabrication strip 118 to secure the base 119 of the fabrication strip 118 to the joist 112 and/or the stud 14. Further, the carpenter can strike the tab 121 to drive the down-turned flange 126 (FIG. 10) into the top surface of the joist 112 to further secure the fabrication strip 118 in place. If desired, suitable fastening means, such a nail can be driven through the hole 125 to further secure the tab 121 in place on the joist 112 and the stud 14. With the fabrication strip 118 firmly anchored to the joist 112 and the member 14, a transverse stud 116 can be positioned against the alignment face of the projection 122 on the tab 121 and affixed in place. Sequentially, additional transverse studs 116 can be added to the same side of the projections 122 in abutting relationship with the faces of the tabs 122 and the studs 116 will be spaced apart equidistantly, with the distance between studs 116 corresponding to the desired predetermined distance of 12 inches, 16 inches or 24 inches, as is commonly used in construction.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated a fabrication strip 218 of the present invention as applied to a rafter construction. The fabrication strip 218 is basically of the same construction as the previously described fabrication strips, but differ in three main respects. First, the tabs 220 and 221 are constructed and arranged such that the spacing between the tabs 220 and 221 will accommodate the thickness of the ridge beam 214. Second, to accommodate rafters extending from each side of the ridge beam 214, outwardly extending tabs or projections 226 are provided on the tabs 220 at the same spacing as the tabs 222 and opposed thereto. Rafters 216 on each side of the ridge beam 214 can be appropriately spaced and the tabs 226 are basically the same as the tabs 222, except that they extend from the base 219 in the opposite direction from the tabs 222. Third, since the rafters 216 join the ridge beam 214 at an angle, the top edges of the tabs 222 and tabs 226 may be angled or cut off to correspond to the angle between the rafters 216 and the ridge beam 214. In other words, the top edges of the tabs 222 and 226 will not extend above the tops of the rafters in a presently preferred embodiment.

Through use of the present invention a single workman can assemble a wall framing. The resultant wall framing is quickly and easily formed. Modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the inventive principles. For example, a hole can be formed in the projection 22 similar to the hole in the tab 25. Such hole may be formed with a down-turned or in-turned flange, as in FIGS. 3 and 6, for aiding the connection of the projection 22 to a transverse stud 16. A nail or like fastening means can be used to connect the projection 22 to the transverse stud 16. Similarly, a single workman can utilize the present invention in joist construction or in rafter construction.

The fabrication strip can be used in the joining of various housing structures to one another, for example, securing roof trusses to wall framing. In this regard a fabrication strip having upright tabs can be secured to the top horizontally disposed stud member of a wall framing and a roof truss can be secured to upright tabs on the fabrication strip to secure the roof trusses in place. Thus, depending upon application, the fabrication strip can be formed with a base and a single row of tabs extending from the base, with the tabs being spaced uniformly from one another, and each having sufficient thickness so that a transverse stud or like structural member can be positioned against a face on one side of the tab and secured in place in uniformly spaced relationship. The tabs in the single row can include a first portion extending transversely to the base and a second portion perpendicular to the first portion, with the face abutting a transverse stud being on the second portion. Another row of tabs can be provided on the fabrication strip, which tabs extend from the base in parallel relationship to the first portion of the tabs of the first row, the respective tabs being spaced apart a distance about the same as the thickness of a 2 inch by 4 inch stud to fit on opposite sides of a stud. Other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

The device of the present invention can be used with all types of building materials, for example, wood, steel, plastic, or composite material.

Further, the invention can be used in various framing applications in construction, for example, floor, wall or roof. It will be recognized that the fabrication device, which was previously described a being usable for repetitive spacing of 12 inches, 16 inches and 24 inches can also be used for any other predetermined repetitive spacings of construction framing.

While I have shown a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base, a plurality of tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally coplanar with one another, the elongated strip being constructed and arranged to be secured to a support, each tab including a face at one side, the faces being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between studs extending generally at right angles to the support in an assembly, the elongated strip being adapted to be secured to the support by fastening means, whereby studs can be assembled in predetermined spaced relationship by abutting each at one end against said face on the tab and then securing same in place.
 2. A fabrication strip as in claim 1, wherein the tabs include a first portion extending transverse to the base and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion, the second portions being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between studs extending generally parallel to one another and at right angles to the fabrication strip.
 3. A fabrication strip as in claim 1, wherein each tab is formed integrally with and bent from the base.
 4. A fabrication strip as in claim 1, including a plurality of second tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to one another, the second tabs each including a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion, the second portions being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between studs extending generally at right angles to the fabrication strip.
 5. A fabrication strip as in claim 1, including a plurality of third tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to one another, the third tabs each including a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion, the second portions being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between studs extending generally at right angles to the fabrication strip.
 6. A fabrication strip as in claim 5, wherein the third tabs extend from the base in opposed relationship to the second tabs.
 7. A fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base, a plurality of first and second tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel with one another, the first tabs and the second tabs, respectively, being generally coplanar, the elongated strip being constructed and arranged to be secured to a first stud, the second tab including a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion, the second portions being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between second transverse studs extending generally at right angles to the first stud in an assembly, the elongated strip being adapted to be secured to the first stud by fastening means, whereby transverse studs can be assembled in predetermined spaced relationship by abutting each at one end against a second portion of the second tab and then securing same in place.
 8. A fabrication strip as in claim 7, wherein the first tabs and the second tabs are integral with and bent from the base.
 9. A fabrication strip as in claim 7, wherein the elongated strip is made from metal.
 10. Building construction comprising first and second generally parallel spaced apart stud members and a plurality of spaced apart transverse stud members secured to said spaced apart studs, a first fabrication strip secured to said first spaced apart stud members, a second fabrication strip secured to said second spaced apart stud member, each fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base and a plurality of tabs extending in the same direction from the base, the tabs including a first portion extending generally perpendicular to the base and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion, the first portions being generally coplanar, the second portions being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between transverse stud members extending between said first and second space apart stud members.
 11. The building construction as in claim 10, wherein the elongated strip is made from metal.
 12. The building construction as in claim 10, including a plurality of second tabs extending in the same direction from the base as the first tabs and being generally coplanar, the second tabs being spaced from the first tabs a distance corresponding to the thickness of the first or second stud member.
 13. The building construction as in claim 12, wherein the plurality of tabs and the second tabs are integral with and bent from the base.
 14. The building construction as in claim 13, wherein the elongated strip is made from metal.
 15. A building construction comprising first and second generally parallel spaced apart studs and a plurality of spaced apart transverse studs secured to said spaced apart studs, a first fabrication strip secured to said first spaced apart stud members, a second fabrication strip secured to said second spaced apart stud, each fabrication strip comprising an elongated strip of material having a base and a plurality of tabs extending in the same direction from the base, each tab including a face at one side, the faces being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between transverse studs extending between said first and second space apart studs.
 16. The building construction as in claim 15, including a plurality of second tabs extending in the same direction from the base as the plurality of first tabs and being generally coplanar, the second tabs being spaced from the first tabs a distance corresponding to the thickness of the first or second stud member.
 17. The building construction as in claim 15, wherein the plurality of tabs and the second tabs are integral with and bent from the base.
 18. The building construction as in claim 15, wherein the elongated strip is made from metal.
 19. The building construction as in claim 15, including a plurality of third tabs extending in the same direction from the base and being generally parallel to one another, the third tabs each including a first portion extending parallel to the first tab and a second portion extending generally at right angles to the first portion, the second portions being spaced a predetermined distance from one another corresponding to the distance desired between studs extending generally at right angles to the fabrication strip.
 20. A fabrication strip as in claim 19, wherein the third tabs extend from the base in opposed relationship to the second tabs. 